VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE

摘要

This invention relates to peptides capable of inducing antibodies which neutralize the activity of VIP vasoactive intestinal peptide ("VIP"). In particular, this invention relates to a Nucleotide sequence which encodes a recombinant protein comprising (1) at least one peptide derived from vasoactive intestinal peptide or a cross-reactive protein and optionally (2) a carrier molecule, said recombinant protein being capable of producing antibodies which neutralize vasoactive intestinal peptide in vivo. This invention also relates to tandemly repeated peptides derived from VIP or from cross-reactive peptides, which can elicit a broad immune response. The present invention is useful for increasing egg production in bird species and for increasing efficiency of feed utilization and rate of gain in food producing animals.